“Whoever abandons their culture and customs loses their origin,” an elder remarked during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Naitengen Community Museum at Kipsing Centre, Isiolo County.

It was a historic moment as Indigenous women, elders, men, young people and community members gathered to celebrate a shared commitment to preserving their Samburu heritage, knowledge, culture and identity.

Located within the Naramat Indigenous Women Arboretum, the Naitengen Community Museum is envisioned as a space for documenting and safeguarding Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, traditions and community history. It will provide an opportunity for elders to pass on their knowledge, recognise the contributions of Indigenous women and help younger generations remain connected to their roots.
The initiative comes at a time when changing lifestyles and social influences continue to challenge the preservation of Indigenous cultures, putting important customs and traditional knowledge at risk of disappearing. Through cultural mapping, the community seeks to identify, document and preserve its heritage, stories, historical sites and practices for future generations.

Speaking during the ceremony, the area Chief reflected on the developments that have taken place in Kipsing since the establishment of the Naramat Indigenous Women Arboretum, including the community social hall, digital centre and water infrastructure. He emphasised that these investments belong to the community and called on residents to take responsibility for their sustainability.
“These projects are community initiatives, not Samburu Women Trust projects. We, the community, are the ones benefiting and reaping the fruits. Let us take responsibility for these projects,” the Chief urged.

The ceremony concluded with blessings from community elders, symbolising unity, collective approval and commitment to the museum initiative.
For Samburu Women Trust and the Kipsing community, the Naitengen Community Museum represents more than a physical structure. It is a collective investment in protecting cultural identity, preserving Indigenous knowledge and ensuring that the wisdom of past generations continues to guide the future.
Our heritage is our identity. Our knowledge is our strength. Our culture is our pride.